[Q] Bootloader/fastboot confusion

Hi all,
I've been searching like crazy for the past week, looking for info on the bootloader/fastboot systems on the Xperia L.

I've read in lots of threads that the Xperia L's (and SP's as well) which cannot have their bootloader unlocked (Bootloader unlock: Not allowed) don't have the so-called "fastboot mode" which is accessed by pressing the volume up key and plugging the USB cable.

Now, my Xperia L, bought in Portugal, SIM-Locked to Vodafone, has this "BL unlock: Not allowed" - which means I cannot unlock it nor do I have access to the fastboot mode. The twist here is that it appears that I do have fastboot.

10 minutes ago I switched off my phone, pressed the vol-up key, plugged the cable and the phone wake up with the characteristic blue LED and my computer recognized a device being connected to it.

What I'm asking right now is - where do I stand? Is is possible to unlock my BL having access to the fastboot mode? Is there anything I can do to verify that I actually do have it?

I'm sort of desperate right now because I really want to flash custom ROMs on my L and all I see is closed doors due to this BL thingy. I've been told there are ways to mod a ROM in order for it to be flashed on locked BL (this info came from one FXP dev!) but I really don't see anything anywhere regarding it.

If anyone has any knowledge and/or can help me anyhow, please do so.
Thanks in advance!

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